Phase Three Strange Matters 4Pk

Phase Three Strange Matters 4Pk is a hazy IPA from Phase Three Brewing Company in Illinois, packaged as a 4-pack of 16oz cans at 6.8% ABV. Phase Three has rapidly earned a devoted following among craft beer enthusiasts for its hop-forward, heavily fruited, and texturally rich IPAs — and Strange Matters showcases the brewery's signature approach to the New England–style IPA.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.8%  |  Origin: Lake Zurich, Illinois, USA  |  Style: Hazy IPA  |  Brewery: Phase Three Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Phase Three Brewing Company was founded in Lake Zurich, Illinois, and opened its doors around 2020. Despite its relatively young age, the brewery has become one of the most sought-after producers of hazy IPAs and pastry stouts in the Midwest. Strange Matters follows the brewery's approach of generous late-addition and dry-hop charges, producing a beer with a dense, pillowy body and saturated hop aromatics. The result is a classic Phase Three hazy — opaque pour, soft mouthfeel, and intense hop-derived fruit character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe tropical fruit — mango and pineapple — leads the nose, followed by softer notes of citrus zest and stone fruit. A light resinous hop quality sits beneath the fruit layers.

Taste: The entry is immediately juicy with bursts of tropical and citrus fruit. At mid-palate, a pillowy, oat-driven body carries the hop flavors without aggressive bitterness. The peak balances sweet fruit intensity against a gentle grain backbone, keeping the beer drinkable rather than cloying.

Finish: Medium in length with a soft, slightly dry close. Lingering notes of citrus pith and tropical pulp fade gradually, leaving a clean impression that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Strange Matters

Strange Matters is best enjoyed fresh and cold, poured into a tulip glass or Teku to concentrate the hop aromatics. Drink it straight from the can for a casual session, or pour it out to appreciate the characteristic haze and head retention. This beer is designed to be consumed on its own rather than used as a cocktail ingredient — hazy IPAs reward simplicity and freshness above all else.

Best For

• Sharing with fellow craft beer enthusiasts who appreciate top-tier hazy IPAs
• Backyard gatherings where a standout beer makes an impression
• Gifting to a hop-obsessed friend exploring Midwest craft breweries
• Pairing with bold, flavorful food like grilled meats or spicy dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Strange Matters taste like? Strange Matters delivers a juicy, tropical hop profile dominated by mango and citrus flavors, supported by a pillowy, soft body with minimal bitterness — characteristic of the hazy IPA style.

How does Strange Matters compare to Other Half Green City? Both are highly regarded hazy IPAs with intense tropical hop character, but Strange Matters tends toward a softer, creamier mouthfeel reflective of Phase Three's Midwest approach, while Other Half leans slightly more resinous and assertive in its hop bite.

Is Strange Matters good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — this hazy IPA is built for drinking fresh and unadorned, ideally poured cold into a glass to fully experience the aroma and body.

Where is Strange Matters made? Strange Matters is brewed by Phase Three Brewing Company, located in Lake Zurich, Illinois, a suburb northwest of Chicago in the heart of a thriving Midwest craft beer scene.

What foods pair well with Strange Matters? Grilled shrimp tacos with mango salsa complement the beer's tropical notes. Spicy Thai curry works well against the soft body. Sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese contrasts the fruit-forward hop profile. Fish and chips benefit from the beer's citrus brightness. Barbecue chicken balances the juicy hops with smoky, caramelized flavors.

What sizes does Strange Matters come in? Strange Matters is available as a 4-pack of 16oz cans, the standard format for Phase Three's IPA releases.

Is Strange Matters worth the price? Phase Three positions as a premium craft brewery with limited-distribution releases that command higher price points than mass-market IPAs — the quality and reputation of the brewery justify its place in the upper tier of craft hazy IPAs.

Why Strange Matters?

Phase Three Brewing has built one of the strongest reputations in the Midwest craft scene in a remarkably short time, and Strange Matters represents their core competency: intensely hop-forward, texturally refined hazy IPAs. The brewery's commitment to generous hopping schedules and soft grain bills produces beers with a depth of fruit character that stands alongside top-tier East Coast producers. At 6.8% ABV, Strange Matters hits a sweet spot — enough body to carry its flavor load, but sessionable enough to enjoy across an entire 4-pack. For anyone seeking a premium Illinois-brewed hazy IPA with serious craft credentials, this is a compelling choice.